Fresh off some forum assistance in choosing a bracelet for my Bulova Astronaut, I'm hoping for more of the same for the 'Devil Diver'. Came with a knock-off Tropic that looks a lot better in the pic than looks and feels feels on the wrist, and definitely deserves better...



Thoughts, pics of your Diver with strap or bracelet etc would be much appreciated!

 

The slow curve to that case shape around the lugs is going to make it hard to pair with any fitted endlink bracelet other than the original. Strait endlink bracelets would be your best bet. There are many vintage strait ended bracelets that would look great like the NSA’s or a Kreisler BOR. For new, watch gecko has a few options with strait endlinks but they tend to be a bit chunky and lack the 20-16 taper we all love in vintage bracelets.
I recently got a few Uncle Seiko tropics and after the hot water trick, they are super comfortable and look right on.

 

How about StingRay?

 

I had the same problem with this guy, Mr. Chunker. Tried all sorts of straps but they all felt like they added to the chunkiness.

Until I finally broke down and got a Eulit perlon. I had avoided perlon like the plague because my early experience (with a cheap one) found them too scratchy. But, this particular watch was issued on a perlon. Tried even buying vintage perlon but still didnt have the cloth feel.

Eulit lives up to its rep. Not cloth like (brand new) but, man, it is comfortable. Definitely not cheap feeling or looking. And doesnt have the extra strap overhang, like NATOs

 

That weave is lovely. I have only tried the cheap Perlon’s and had the same experience- unpleasant. What is Mr. Chunker?
Oh and to the OP’s point on bracelets-
a watch like Monsiuer Chunker’ would look great on a strait endlink Milanese mesh.

 

Mr. Chunker is the affectionate nickname given to my Bianchi mildiver.

 

I love NATO straps on old dive watches.

 

Mine is just on a leather strap. It's not going anywhere near water anyway.

 

The perforated leather gives that dive strap-look while being more comfortable I'm thinking...

This could work with the Bulova also - will try to imagine it...

 

I agree that a Milanese could look really nice on these vintage Bulovas. I also think some distressed / weathered leather could be a nice pairing with the ghosted bezel on your watch.

 

Here's a Fisher (US-made) SS Milanese mesh from the 60's with 18mm straight ends that's on eBay - could look the trick?

 

That would look stellar I think. Just verify your exact lug width and ask the seller to do the same- I have had a few, depending on market, that were off by a mm or two due to English/metric and that is always a buzz kill when it shows up.